Instant Genius How to combat flooding
Dec 16, 2024
Trevor Hoey, a hydrologist from Brunel University, shares his expertise on the rising instances of extreme flooding linked to climate change. He explains how severe droughts can occur due to the same climatic mechanisms driving floods. The conversation dives into the complexities of global flooding patterns and the advancements in weather forecasting. Hoey also discusses practical strategies for homeowners to prepare for such events, emphasizing the importance of both individual responsibility and governmental action in flood management.
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Global Flooding Patterns
- Recent extreme flooding events have impacted various regions globally, including Southeast Asia, East Asia, Europe, Latin America, Africa, and the UK.
- These floods, while common in autumn, have been notably severe in certain areas like Wales, the southwest, and the Midlands.
Climate Mechanisms Driving Floods
- Various climate mechanisms drive these floods, with warm sea surface temperatures and high atmospheric moisture content playing key roles.
- Intense rainfall is often triggered by cold air interacting with warm, moisture-laden air, leading to severe events such as those in Spain.
Increased Storm Frequency
- While severe storms have always existed, their frequency is increasing, as seen with Category 5 hurricanes and typhoons.
- This increased frequency is consistent with climate model predictions.